PHL a ‘country of focus’ of Canada’s anti-poverty efforts

The Philippines has been designated by Canada as a Country of Focus, meaning it is now a priority beneficiary of its international development assistance program.

In an announcement, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada said the Philippines is one of several countries added to the list of development countries of focus.

"(For) this year, new countries added to the list of development countries of focus include the Philippines, Burma, Mongolia, Burkina Faso, Benin, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Jordan," it said.

Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, also said Canada is focusing 90 percent of its bilateral programming in 25 development countries of focus.

“With the launch of the Aid Effectiveness Agenda in 2009, our government made Canada’s international assistance more focused, more effective and more accountable,” said Paradis.

“Through this approach Canada has delivered concrete results for those in need around the world. Canada is continuing down this successful path, enhancing our focus, and strengthening our commitment to accountability and results. Canadians can be proud to be making a difference and saving lives,” he added.

PHL thankful

In Manila, the Department of Foreign Affairs welcomed the move, saying it "further illuminates the excellent bilateral relations between the Philippines and Canada, which is bolstered by strong people-to-people linkages, and highlights a strong affinity for principles and pursuits to promote prosperity and productivity, as well as freedom, peace, justice, human rights, gender empowerment, security, and the rule of law across the globe."

"The special designation as a Country of Focus also holds the promise of greater two-way bilateral trade and investment flows, and the designation also manifests an alignment in foreign policy, extending to various security, economic, socio-cultural and people-to-people interests," it said.

It added the Filipino people will always remember how Canada came to the aid of those affected by super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and how the federal government facilitated a special typhoon matching fund that has grown to over CAD 170 million.

Also, it cited Canada for its major role in the Mindanao peace process, adding its development assistance "will help ensure the success of the implementation of the peace agreement."

Mutual accountability frameworks

Canada will also establish mutual accountability frameworks with partner countries to "further increase transparency and accountability for results."

It said these frameworks will:

Paradis added the Canadian government is "committed to delivering real and accountable results to those in need, and transparency for Canadian taxpayers."

"Canada is already ranked among the most transparent donors in the world. Mutual Accountability Agreements will not only increase predictability for our implementing partners, but also set clear targets for both Canada and partner countries,” he said.

Meanwhile, Paradis said Canada will maintain smaller bilateral programs in countries considered as development partners.

He added Canada will continue to provide humanitarian assistance on an as-needed basis.

In 2009, Canada had announced it would focus 80 percent of bilateral resources in 20 development countries of focus, and review the developments every five years.

"These countries were chosen based on their real needs, their capacity to benefit from aid, and their alignment with Canadian foreign policy priorities," it said. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News